Solid lines: fostering First Nations access, participation, and representation in the design and commercial art industries in Australia

This report highlights current considerations in enabling First Nations creatives to engage with commercial art and design industries in culturally safe and supported ways. Its purpose is to explore potential pathways to improve the participation and representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives within design and commercial art industries in Australia, and to lead this engagement on their own terms. As First Nations creatives currently have limited access to culturally safe pathways and work processes within the design and commercial art industries, this research sought to investigate the viability and value of establishing a First Nations led illustration agency. The project was established as a collaboration between RMIT researchers and the Jacky Winter Group. This partnership facilitated diverse conversations and ways of working, bridging the gap between industry practices, Indigenous knowledges, and First Nations led engagement and participation. As a case study, this report also details the process and nature of such a partnership, as well as highlighting some of the challenges, considerations, and opportunities of this collaborative venture.